I was raised by my grandparents to love my Creator, my family, my people, my country and the land of our ancestors. I always knew since my earliest recollections that I was born to be a warrior. I knew one day I would serve in the military and at 17years old I signed my first contract with the United States Army during the Persian Gulf War. My hopes were to go overseas but the war ended shortly after I enlisted keeping my service stateside.

I spent a significant portion of my life serving my country as a patriotic member of the United States Army. My service in the Army began when I enlisted at 17yrs old and ended with a Honorable Discharge in October of 2000. My time in service has had a lasting affect on my life and I attribute much of my success in life to the training and self-discipline instilled in me by the U.S. Army. I am grateful for the strength and character I developed in the military. Although deployments were extremely difficult, there is no doubt that I am a better person as a result of my service and I would readily do it all over again.

Basic Training

I feel blessed to have a family that has a has a long standing warrior tradition of serving in the military as well as serving our chief's and our people. This legacy gave me the strength I drew from to honorably serve my country and to bring honor to my family. I am proud to have signed the dotted the line to fight for their freedom, and the freedom of generations to come.

The character and integrity of the friends I have made in the Army is incomparable. I am fortunate to have shared many good and hard times with my friends and family. Earning the right to the title of warrior amongst my people is something that can never be taken away and something I knew I was born to be. This is why I value my country and why I served with a grateful heart because the military allowed me to fulfill my dream of being a soldier and a warrior to my people.

Hoorah!

Joseph RiverWind
4th Infantry Division
January 2011